Start a Home Care Agency in Arizona

How to Launch Your Agency in Arizona

A 7-step path from idea to first client. Our specialists handle the heavy lift in Launch and Signature; the Foundation package gives you the templates and the platform so you can run it yourself.

1. 1

   Choose Your Service Model

   FOUNDATION

   This is the most important decision and it determines your entire timeline. Private-pay non-medical (companionship, personal care, meal prep): no state license needed, launch in 1-3 weeks. DDD/HCBS certification path: 3-6 months (DDD credentialing alone can take 90+ days after application). Adding AHCCCS enrollment and managed care contracting: estimated 1-3 additional months, though timelines vary. Most founders start with private-pay and add DDD/Medicaid later.

2. 2

   Form the Business

   INSURANCE

   Register your LLC with the Arizona Corporation Commission ($50 online). Get an EIN from IRS.gov (free). Open a business bank account. Register for Arizona state taxes. LLC publication is NOT required if your statutory agent's street address is in Maricopa or Pima County (Phoenix/Tucson). For other counties, you must publish a Notice of LLC Formation within 60 days of filing — cost is typically $60-$120.

3. 3

   Complete Fingerprint and Screening Setup

   POLICIES

   Apply for a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card through DPS ($67/person). Processing typically takes 3-5 weeks for clean records, though times may vary. For private-pay non-medical agencies, the Fingerprint Clearance Card is not technically required by law (since there is no licensing body mandating it), but it is strongly recommended for credibility and IS required for DDD/HCBS work. Also set up your APS Registry screening workflow: the Arizona Department of Economic Security maintains the APS (Adult Protective Services) Registry of individuals found to have abused, neglected, or exploited a vulnerable adult. Use the DES Centralized Background Checks portal to check both the DCS Central Registry and APS Registry. As of January 1, 2025, under HB2764, residential care institutions, nursing care institutions, and home health agencies must verify prospective and current employees against the APS Registry (A.R.S. § 36-411). Non-medical home care agencies that don't fall under these licensed categories are not legally required to check, but should as a best practice.

4. 4

   Secure Insurance and Core Policies

   INSURANCE

   Get general liability ($800-$2,500/yr for a startup non-medical agency), professional liability, workers' compensation, and transportation coverage if applicable. Build written policies covering: hiring and screening, caregiver training and competency, safety and incident reporting, documentation standards, emergency response, client rights, and complaint resolution. Since Arizona has no state-enforced agency licensing standards specific to non-medical home care, your policies ARE your standards — families and referral partners will judge you on them.

5. 5

   Launch Private-Pay Services

   SURVEY

   Private-pay non-medical operators can begin serving clients once the LLC is formed, insurance is in place, and screening workflows are established. No state application or approval is needed. Remember that general Arizona laws still apply — mandatory abuse reporting (A.R.S. § 46-454), employment law, and tax obligations. Focus on building referral relationships and a strong reputation before adding regulated service lines.

6. 6

   HCBS / DDD Certification (For DDD Work)

   OPERATIONS

   To serve DDD members, you must get an HCBS certificate from the DES Office of Licensing, Certification and Regulation (OLCR). The application requires: three reference letters for the owner, Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card, agency brochure or website, criminal history self-disclosure affidavit, and a staff roster with training documentation (including Article 9 completion). You must first become a Qualified Vendor through DDD before applying for HCBS Certification. DDD credentialing alone can take 90+ days after application submission.

7. 7

   AHCCCS / ALTCS Enrollment and Billing Setup

   PROCESS

   For Medicaid-funded work, complete AHCCCS provider enrollment ($750 enrollment fee — check the PEP-903 screening glossary for applicability to your provider type) and payer contracting with managed care organizations. Build EVV (Electronic Visit Verification) and billing readiness into your operations. EVV is required for AHCCCS-funded personal care and attendant care services. Estimated 1-3 months for enrollment and contracting, though timelines vary by provider type and MCO.

Common Questions Before You Book